NVIDIA 3DTV Play adds 3D HDTV & gaming to any GeForce machine

NVIDIA have announced a new string to their 3D bow, in the shape of NVIDIA 3DTV Play, a way to hook up GeForce-based notebooks and PCs to HDTVs for full 3D video and gaming. A new software app - that works with any GeForce GPU-using machine with either DVI or HDMI connectivity - 3DTV Play supports 1080p24, 720p60 and 720p50 3D formats and will work both with active-shutter TV glasses and passive polarized glasses.

As well as full HD Blu-ray 3D playback, the system offers streaming 3D video support and the ability to convert over 400 games titles from 2D into 3D, in real-time, with no patches or extra software.

The graphics company has hooked up with Panasonic, who will be demonstrating the system on their upcoming "Panasonic Touch the Future Tour", taking 50-inch 3D-capable HDTVs around the US in the hope of coercing a few sales out of wowed viewers.

NVIDIA 3DTV Play will go on sale later in the spring, priced at $39.99. Meanwhile those already using NVIDIA 3D Vision will be offered a free copy.

Press Release:

NVIDIA Brings a New Dimension to PC Gaming With NVIDIA 3DTV Play for the Big Screen

SANTA CLARA, CA--(Marketwire - March 15, 2010) - NVIDIA today announced NVIDIA® 3DTV Play™ software technology that allows consumers to connect their GeForce® GPU-powered desktop or notebook computer to new 3D TVs, for the ultimate in big screen 3D gaming action. For the launch of 3DTV Play, NVIDIA is teaming up with Panasonic on its coast-to-coast 2010 "Panasonic Touch the Future Tour," where consumers can test drive 3DTV Play-based PCs running on the new Panasonic® VIERA® Full HD 3D TVs, that just launched this month.

3DTV Play software lets you connect any compatible NVIDIA GeForce GPU-powered PC or notebook to 3D TVs for the ultimate, high-definition, big-screen, 3D entertainment experience. By leveraging the processing power of NVIDIA GeForce GPUs, 3DTV Play software delivers the best the PC has to offer: play hundreds of standard PC games in stunning 3D environments such as World of Warcraft - Wrath of the Lich King, Battlefield Bad Company 2, and James Cameron's Avatar™: The Game. You can also watch upcoming Blu-ray 3D™ Hollywood blockbusters, view digital 3D photographs, and even watch streaming 3D movies for the ultimate viewing party. The active-shutter glasses bundled with each VIERA full HD 3D TV sold work seamlessly with NVIDIA GPUs and off-the-shelf PC gaming titles and other 3D entertainment content.

Facts about NVIDIA 3DTV Play:

Can be run on GeForce GPU-based desktop or notebook PCs equipped with an HDMI or DVI connector

Full support for all HDMI 1.4-compatible 3D TVs, including Panasonic VIERA Plasma full HD 3D TVs

NVIDIA 3DTV Play software will be available later this spring and sold separately with an anticipated U.S. MSRP of $39.99. It will also be available for free for current NVIDIA 3D Vision™ customers.

Quotes:

"NVIDIA is a premier choice for gamers, and 3D Vision TV delivers an easy way for them to game on the big screen, for the ultimate, immersive experience," said Bob Perry, Senior Vice President, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "We're pleased that NVIDIA shares our commitment to providing awesome technology to savvy consumers, and we are happy to offer NVIDIA the opportunity to highlight their 3D solution as part of our nationwide road show."

"NVIDIA is all about raising the bar of PC gaming, and gamers are going to love playing in 3D on one of the new Panasonic VIERA 50-inch full HD 3D TVs," said Phil Eisler, general manager of 3D Vision technology at NVIDIA. "This is truly one of those 'must experience to believe it' moments, and we are ecstatic that consumers will have the chance to try it for themselves on any of our 15 stops across the US."

About the Panasonic Touch the Future Tour

The 2010 Panasonic Touch the Future Tour will give consumers the chance to experience hands-on demos of exciting new Panasonic products, including its first full HD 3D home theater system. The tour will spend three days at popular venues in 15 national markets between March 15-April 17, and one lucky sweepstakes winner in each market will receive a complete Panasonic full HD 3D home theater system -- featuring a Panasonic VIERA® 50" full HD 3D TV, a Panasonic 3D Blu-ray Disc player, and a pair of Panasonic 3D Eyewear. Visit www.panasonic.com/future for tour locations and details.